World-renowned artists, scholars and writers will be gathering on the scenic grounds of Villa La Pietra from May 11 to June 30, located in the outskirts of Florence, to participate in NYU’s annual cultural programme, ‘The Season.’ Members of the public are invited to enjoy a range of free performances, designed for the both English and Italian speaking audience, including exhibitions, concerts and theatrical productions, put on by collaborating artists. Conversation between the [...]
The Iris Garden, located near to Piazzale Michelangelo, is a fleeting botanical splendour not to be missed. Created in 1957 for the International Iris Competition (hosted by the Italian Iris Society), this year’s contest will be taking place from May 8 – 13 (65th edition). Forming a vibrant oasis of thousands of varieties, a considerable number of ancient and rare species of iris can be found here, including the white iris Florentina. It opens [...]
The beautiful and historic basilica of Santa Croce is hosting an evening dedicated to Gregorian chant on Saturday, February 25 starting at 7 pm. The concert is free to all until places are filled. Stars of the performance are the Viri Galilaei Chorus conducted by master Enzo Ventroni. The Viri Galilaei Chorus is a musical group dedicated to the study of Gregorian chant. Having mainly performed solely in Florence, the chorus attempts to [...]
This year St. Mark’s, the British Institute Library, and the Fiesole Music School have planned free holiday happenings for all comers and all ages. December 14 The British Institute Library (Lungarno Guicciardini 9) A free Christmas event organized by British Institute Library in partnership with St Mark’s English Church will be held at 6 pm. The concert will be held in the library and the evening will also include readings, singing, caroling, [...]
December 5: MOZART ANNIVERSARY CONCERT. Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza Santa Croce. Free admission subject to availability. 9 pm. In light of the anniversary of Mozart’s death (December 5, 1791), the Basilica of Santa Croce will host the Fiorence Chamber Orchestra and the Harmonia Cantata Choir to pay homage to the great composer with a free concert. The musicians will be conducted by Raffaele Puccianti, including soloists Patrizia Cigna (soprano), Patrizio Scivoletto [...]
Florence is known for its historical significance, but the modern and contemporary art and architecture of the city is often overlooked. The new Tram-e-d’Arte project is looking to provide a new way for locals and visitors alike to discover all Florence has to offer, all for the cost of two tram tickets (€3). Tram-e-d’Arte is offering free guided tours (participants must bring two tram tickets) where participants discover contemporary Florence along the route [...]
If there is one thing better than seeing the Duomo, it’s experiencing a curated jazz concert performed inside the walls of the grand church itself. For one beautiful evening on October 26 (9:15 pm), the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore will present their first event since April “Altissima Luce,” a contemporary performance based on ancient music featuring the sounds of Paolo Fresu and Daniele di Bonaventura. First performed in 2016 in St. [...]
Ensembles participating in the Fiesole Music School session of the European Chamber Music Academy (ECMA) this summer will give free concerts in the ancient refectory of Santa Croce on July 19 and 20. ECMA aims to form a growth and exchange circuit for chamber ensembles, involving top-class European educational institutions and festivals from all over Europe and beyond. The performances, which begin at 9:30 pm, will take place under The Tree of [...]
View Florence through the eyes of someone who’s captured the city’s authentic community in Kathleen Knippel’s photography exhibition at the San Lorenzo Central Market. “The Square and its Market” show is free and will be up until July 10. The exhibition spans from the windows of Brilli Pet Boutique to many other shops in the Central Market for a total of 18 displays. Taken in the early seventies, the photos on display captured [...]
In celebration of the 734th anniversary of the Santa Maria Nuova Hospital (L’Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova), the Santa Maria Nuova Foundation has organized a full day of events on June 23 dedicated to two historical figures: Folco Portinari and Maurizio Bufalini. The Santa Maria Nuova Hospital is the oldest hospital that is still active worldwide, founded in 1288 when the first of the two honorees, Portinari, a Florentine, donated the land. The [...]